Tuesday, November 18, 2014

Crockpot Kale & Quinoa Minestrone Soup

It's that time of the year again where we all have to pull out the heavy duty sweaters and kleenex! Yes.. our entire family is sick with the seasonal cold. We tend to pick up just about everything going around! And after searching for "comfort foods" to help ease our colds, I came across a delicious Kale and Quinoa Minestrone Soup that seemed absolutely perfect for this sneezing occasion. The original recipe called for cooking it in the pan.. but I really wanted to make my life easy as possible because caring for three sick kids is not an easy job ..so I decided to make it in my favorite crock pot! 
After cooking for about 6-7 hours on low.. it came out absolutely DELICIOUS! This is such a healthy version of your normal Minestrone Soup and I definitely recommend it for any family! Kale is extremely rich in Vitamin A, C and K and the Quinoa is naturally gluten-free and contains iron, B-vitamins, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, vitamin E and fiber. It is one of only a few plant foods that are considered a complete protein and comprised of all pernine essential amino acids!  Incorporating both of these foods into your diet is a must especially if you are wanting to lose weight or just wanting to be healthier in general! 


Crockpot Kale and Quinoa Minestrone Soup


Vegan and Gluten-Free
Yield: About 6-8 servings

  • 1 large yellow onion, diced (2 cups)
  • 3 medium carrots, diced (1 ½ cups)
  • 2 stalks celery, diced (1 cup)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 cups diced, fresh zucchini (from about 2 small)
  • 2 cups green beans, cut into 1-inch segments
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (32oz) carton unsalted or low sodium vegetable broth
  • 1 (28oz) can crushed tomatoes
  • 3 cups of water
  • 3 ½ tbsp chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 tsp dried rosemary, crushed
  • ¾ tsp dried thyme
  • 1 ½ splenda or stevia
  • salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • ¾ cup dry quinoa
  • 1 (15oz) can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 (15oz) can chick peas, drained and rinsed
  • 2 (heaping) cups chopped fresh kale, thick ribs removed
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice

In a large crock pot, place all ingredients together.  Set on low for 6-7 hours stirring occasionally. Serve Warm.

*Adapted and slightly changed from Mind Body Green
This recipe can be found at http://damselsintraining.blogspot.com
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Monday, August 11, 2014

Join our next Damsels In Training Challenge Group!



Whether your totally new to working out or already in shape this group might be a match made in heaven for YOU! Starting September 1st, 2014 our exclusive Damsels In Training Challenge group will help you see awesome results and get the body you've always wanted with Chalene Johnson's new workout program Piyo! Piyo is a high intensity low impact workout program where you use your own body weight! Yep you heard me! No weights or workout equipment needed! Best of all NO JUMPS! So to all those with bad knees… it's time to rejoice!! You'll also get long lean muscles, a high firm booty, and tight flat sexy abs with the Piyo Program! With Piyo you work every single muscle to stabilize, stretch, and strengthen every inch of your body! Does this sound like a winner yet? Here's all the special details of our challenge!

1.  You must purchase a Piyo Challenge Pack! By buying a PIYO challenge pack you save 50$ compared to buying each item separately! Your challenge pack includes your first 30 day supply of Shakeology. Shakeology is a superfood shake that helps give you energy, reduce cravings, and accelerate your fitness results! You will receive a 30 day VIP trial membership to the Team Beachbody Club - where you'll be able to access all of the team beachbody message boards, personalized meal planning, and you'll be able to enter the super wowy gym to log your workouts for a chance to win 500$ to 1000$ every single day! You will also receive 10% off of all of your purchases through beachbody with the club membership. Your Piyo Workout Program will include.. 

8 WORKOUTS

  • Align: The Fundamentals (40 min.): This workout breaks down the most important and effective moves in the program to help you perfect your form and get the best results possible.
  • Define: Lower Body (25 min.): Get your sleekest and leanest legs ever as you lengthen and strengthen your entire lower body—from your glutes and hamstrings to your calves.
  • Define: Upper Body (20 min.): Use this incredibly effective workout to start chiseling away at your upper body to help shape your arms, carve out your triceps, and define sexy shoulders.
  • Sweat (35 min.): A traditional PiYo workout that incorporates effective dynamic conditioning, fast-paced cardio yoga-flows, and bodyweight resistance strength training to help sculpt your entire body.
  • Core (30 min.): This ab-centric workout hits your powerhouse from every angle to build a strong core, flat, sculpted abs and obliques, as well as a strong and sexy back.
  • Strength Intervals (25 min.): Twenty-five minutes is all you need of this nonstop body-carving, calorie-incinerating workout that uses no weights, no equipment, and gives you no bulk!
  • Drench (45 min.): This endurance workout maximizes fat burning while it works every muscle in your body. It will not only leave you drenched—it will kick-start your metabolism as you scorch away the fat.
  • Sculpt (30 min.): This workout uses varying tempos to keep your muscles under tension for different periods of time. This generates muscular endurance and metabolic changes that will totally transform your figure.
You will receive the tools for success booklets! 

  • Quick Start Guide. Everything you need to know to get started including valuable insider tips to get your best results possible! Plus, discover how each powerful workout is strategically designed to transform your body.
  • PiYo 60-Day Workout Calendar. Chalene arranged the workouts to make sure you are progressing each week as you build up your strength, flexibility, and stamina.
Plus 4 FREE GIFTS!
  • Get Lean Eating Plan. A simplified approach to clean and lean eating designed to fit your lifestyle and your taste buds! Learn how to eat a variety of delicious, nutritious foods that keep you properly fueled, satiated, and nourished—and help you define your best body.
  • Buns (25 min.): Focused on the glutes, this workout is designed to lift, redefine, and tighten the entire backside of your body for the perfect tight and round butt.
  • Tape Measure. Track your progress as you melt the fat away faster than you ever imagined.
  • 24/7 Online Support. Get motivated anytime of day with access to proven fitness, nutrition, and motivation tips. You'll even get exclusive invitations to live video chats with Chalene Johnson.
And one of the most important things you need to know before you join our exclusive Damsels in Training challenge group is that Team Beachbody offers a 60 day money-back guarantee! If your not satisfied with your results, simply call customer service for a return authorization number to return the program for a full refund of the purchased price!

2. Before Pictures! You must take before pictures ( 1 side, 1 front flexed, and 1 front back flexed). If your not sure how don't worry I'll explain those details as our first challenge day grows closer! You also will need to take measurements of your waist, hips, thighs, arms and chest. And last but not least you'll need a visual picture from your smart phone or camera of your feet standing on the scale with the weight that you started at so this serves as proof of your results! Trust me it will feel SOO GOOD to compare the pictures at the end of your transformation! 

3. Check in with me once a day! Our challenge group will be located on FB in a secret group so you can post anything you want without having your other fb friends see it! The only people that will be able to view posts are the other challenge group members!

4. Follow the entire workout program and most importantly the NUTRITION part of the program! If you want GOOD results follow the program, if you want AMAZING results you'll have to follow the nutrition part too! TRUST ME! Getting the right nutrition really isn't that bad once you get in the groove of everything! You can always message me if you need help on what to eat but remember you'll have your "Get Lean Eating Plan" from the Piyo Challenge Pack to refer to! Also drinking your Shakeology helps a ton on your nutrition part and saves you time especially if your in a hurry to get to work!Your nutrition is definitely a lesson of discipline and strength and will help you in all other aspects of your lifestyle! Not only will you feel better, but think how healthy you will be 50 years down the road! 

5.Every person that completes the program, takes before and after photos/measurements, and checks in everyday will receive an awesome prize at the end!  

If you still feel unsure about starting the challenge feel free to message me on Facebook or email me at laurelashx@gmail.com! 

If your ready to GO and get this challenge on the road click the following link!
 *WARNING* If you already have a beachbody account please message me first as you will need to have me set as your official Beachbody Coach to compete in this challenge! 




Thank you and hope to see you kick some butt with this challenge! 

If you can change your THOUGHTS.. you can change your FUTURE!


It's so easy to let go of our goals.. our visions..our positive attitudes towards life especially when there are things & people that try to push you down. And than there's those negative feelings and thoughts that tend to just overcome your entire mind and body.. When you fall into this trap it's a never ending circle of unhappiness & you literally feel like you are wasting life away. I've been in this trap several times over the past few years throughout my health and fitness journey. And I'd like to share a few tips to help you change those negative thoughts and start creating your future! 

1. Let it go. BREATHE. Let it go. -Sometimes in life we go through these days or weeks of "bad luck". Even the littlest things like your car breaking down or someone else being totally mean to you can set you off of your fitness and health goals and leave you with an empty mindset. Don't let ANYTHING get to you! First Breathe. Than, believe that you are a superhero and you will always conquer the enemy (negative energy!). Just remember that tomorrow is another day and things will get BETTER! Just don't let anything get in the way of your health and fitness goals. & Make your health and fitness an everyday priority because naturally it's the BEST cure for a bad mood! 

2. Let go of your "Negative" Friends! - Another reason many people get discouraged with their health and fitness journey is because they don't have enough support or worst none at all! Throughout your health and fitness journey you will find out who your "positive" friends are and who your "negative" are! Since you obviously don't want to just dump your friends.. I recommend putting them to the side while you work on your inner and outer strength of becoming the best version of you! Start surrounding yourself with those who cheer you on & those who motivate you! Trust me.. this will make a HUGE difference in your health and fitness journey! 

3. The habit of "self love"! -Yes! Start Practicing self love every single day. I promise you that even just an hour of doing something for yourself will help you with creating a positive attitude and future for yourself! Whether it be working out, reading a book (with no distractions!), or even doing a favorite hobby of yours will help you stay on track! Self love even includes getting all dolled up and taking the famous selfie and posting it to Instagram! Yes.. you heard me say it! When you post a selfie you are "secretly" telling yourself that you are beautiful! 




Tuesday, July 29, 2014

Grilled Watermelon Salad

Yep. Grilled Watermelon! I've never heard of it either until my husband found a recipe somewhere in the massive online database of WEIRD recipes! Let me tell you… it's something you should at least try ONCE in your life! Because who knows.. you might really REALLY like it!

Ingredients

1 Small Seedless Watermelon (cut into slices with rind still attached)
2 Tbsp of Olive Oil
Sprinkle of Salt and Pepper
2 Bunches of Watercress Trimmed
2 Tbsp Balsamic Vinegar
1 Cup of Crumbled Goat Cheese (we like to buy our goat cheese from costco)

Directions:

Heat Grill. Brush watermelon slices with olive oil. Season with salt and pepper. Grill watermelon for 1-2 minutes on each side.

In medium bowl toss watercress with balsamic vinegar. Season with salt and pepper to taste and set aside.
To assemble, sprinkle each grilled watermelon slice with goat cheese. Top with watercress mixture



Hope you guys enjoy and let me know what you think in the comments below!

Thursday, July 10, 2014

Butterfinger Blizzard Shakeology


So you probably saw this and without even hesitating you've decided you want this recipe because we all know how awesome Blizzards from dairy queen are! What's not so awesome is the content and calories of a blizzard! So how do you make something extremely healthy taste just like your dream blizzard? Sometimes it just takes a little tweaking and *magic* (just kidding!) to blend this awesome recipe!


Want one of these?! Well try a HEALTHIER version instead! 


 

Butterfingers Blizzard Shakeology

1 scoop of chocolate shakeology 
8oz almond, coconut, or soy milk
1/2 cup ice
5 oz cold water
1tsp almond extract
small handful of almonds
2 tbsp of peanut butter
1 tbsp sugar free caramel syrup

**Vitamix Tip** If you put too much ice sometimes you will see your shake stop blending in the mixer. In this case, let your vitamix run at high speed until you start seeing the shake move again. That's the awesome thing about having a vitamix because you can make soups because having the speed high creates heat within the mixer!

Serve and Enjoy! Hope you love me for this one!
xoxo,
Laurel

Interested in purchasing Shakeology?
Click HERE to purchase from my store!


 

Wednesday, July 9, 2014

Sauted Garlic Kale

One of the most nutritious greens out there can become an easy dinner with these simple ingredients!
Just Saute Kale, Garlic Powder, Himalayen Sea Salt, and Pepper with Olive Oil! 10 minutes and you have a super delicious and healthy vegetable for your dinner!

Gluten Free Banana Bread

If you have been to my house before you will know that we always keep Bananas out and ready to snack on because my little monkeys (kids) absolutely love them! So what do you do when your plethora of bananas start to go bad? Well Banana Bread of course! So I began really thinking hard on how I could accomplish a healthier version of the well known banana bread. I knew I wanted gluten and dairy free so that's when my search on the internet started for the perfect recipe! Of course I had to alter not having all of the right ingredients and this recipe has a little snap to it.. it has a almond extract flavoring instead of the normal vanilla so it gives it a little sass! So I hope you like this little concoction of a recipe I came up with tonight and I hope it leaves your taste buds happy!





Damsels In Training Gluten Free Banana Bread


Ingredients

4 eggs
2 cups very ripe bananas (about 4-5 medium size bananas)
1 cup splenda
1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
1 tsp gluten free almond extract 
1/3 cup melted coconut oil
2 cups of quinoa or coconut flour
1tsp of baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 cup chopped walnuts


Instructions

1. Preheat Oven to 350.
2. In a mixing bowl beat eggs lightly.
3. Add mashed bananas, sugar, applesauce, butter and vanilla and mix throughly.
4. Add to wet mixture, flour, salt and baking soda. Mix until all ingredients are moist.
5. Pour battre into 2 greased 8X4 in. loaf pans or 1 greased 9X5 in. loaf pan.
6. Bake for 45-55 minutes for the smaller pans or 60-75 minutes for the larger pans or until bread is no longer wet in the middle. Use a toothpick to test how done it is.
7. Remove pan and cool on wire rack for 10 minutes.

ENJOY! 

xoxo, 
Laurel



Saturday, June 28, 2014

Getting back to business!

Ella will be a year old on August 8th and I've been majorly slacking on trying to get rid of the baby weight! I still need to get rid of the last 30bs that just seem to bloat my entire body up! So to kick off my new blog I'm going to be giving you guys my most recent stats and will be declaring a few goals that I hope to accomplish before my son starts first grade this year! I have really found out that the best way for me to keep going and losing weight is by having support and friends helping to cheer me on and having others in the same position as myself! So If you'd like to join my group just shoot me out a message on FB or an email to my address laurelhedden@rocketmail.com that way we can get you on the right track too! Make sure to check into my blog every so often for new recipes, updates on my weight loss, and to get an update on what is going on in the crazy life of the Hedden Family!

Weight:150